Somalia blasts claim 20 lives

Mogadishu: At least 20 people have been killed and dozens more injured after three car bomb explosions near the popular Sahafi Hotel in Somalia's Capital Mogadishu on Friday.

Somali officials said that Islamist militant group al-Shabab claimed the responsibility for the blasts, a BBC report said.Al-Shabab said that it targeted the government officials staying at the hotel.

Reports said that armed militants entered the building guarded by armed officers after the first of at least three bombs went off.Eyewitnesses reported incidents of heavy gunfire in the area.

The death toll is expected to rise further.Sahafi Hotel is frequented by foreigners due to its relative security as well as its view overlooking Mogadishu.(UNI)